First of all, 70 EPISODES!!! We hit 70 episodes people!! What a day!! Second, fantasy readers rejoice! You have another book to add to your collection! Author, Nick Suppa, has recently published his debut novel, "The Legend of Rangard: The Winds of Spring," and you can find it on Amazon. After a grueling, yet inspiring, 6-year process, Nick is sharing his work with you and me, and let me tell you, his book is worth every penny you have! Nick sits down with the UPcoming to talk about his time writing The Legend of Rangard, his influences, and his time working for Cannes Film Festival and Paramount as a production assistant. He's seen and done so many cool things, and I cannot be more honored to have him on my show. Also, buy his book. You'll love it.

As a writer myself, I'm always happy to meet other emerging storytellers. This new addition to the UPcoming guest list is a screenwriter, filmmaker, and production assistant from the east coast: Anthony Haera! The man has worked with the Austin Film and the freaking NBA, learning how tedious, fast-paced, and demanding entertainment can be. All the same, he continues following his passion of becoming an established screenwriter, working to get his crafts onto the big screen. I look forward to seeing him win his first Oscar. Be sure to follow the UPcoming wherever you get your podcasts, and check us out on Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, and X.

Hey everyone!! This is just a part of the interview I had with Trey Petgrave that I wanted to share with you. He gives some really fantastic points here. Of course, he does that in all of Episode 67, but this is special. If you haven't already, check out that episode and hear from a phenomenal visual artist.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions of my guest are solely his own and do not reflect the Institute of Internal Auditors, whom he works for. Now, that that's out the way. WE'RE BACK EVERYONE!! After so mind-shatteringly long, we are back, and what better way to get back in the swing of things than with the newest guest, Vedant Akhauri. He's a multi-hyphenate artist, specializing in video editing, podcasting, writing, and radio. He has two books on Booksie that you need to check out: Miami: The City of Second Chances, and Mrs. Kill (The titles alone are why you should read them). Vedant is also a podcaster himself and hosts "Let's Talk Media with Vedant Akhauri." Ever since he was a child, he's always had a burning passion for storytelling, and now he's doing that in so many angles. Today on the UPcoming, we're transporting to the fun, creative, and wonderfully unpredictable world of Vedant Akhauri.

This week, I sat with the great Trey Petgrave - a filmmaker, visual storyteller, and fellow Purchase alum. His credits are as high as getting his senior thesis project on Revolt TV and directing a music video with BET. He doesn't just come with his own experience in directing, but also his thoughts on the film industry, why quality over quantity matters, and how the streaming wars undermined cinema. I am so glad I got to talk with him, and I am nothing but excited to introduce him to you.

The UPcoming is back and better! Than! Ever! After months of hiatus, the UPcoming has returned! New rules: time length is now around 30 minutes, and I'm talking to professionals in the creative fields (directors, actors, writers, etc.). That said, I'm thrilled to announce my latest guest, all the way from Bulgaria. Vladislav Teo "Vlad" Chepilov. Starting out as a TV writer in his home country, he's now in Los Angeles, and looking to reinvent himself as an actor and standup comedian. Sitting down with him, I dig into how he became a writer, what it was like adjusting to California, and essentially starting a new career in a whole new world. This episode really drives home the importance of courage and creativity. Follow Vlad's IG: Vladislav_Teo_Chepilov

New episode and a whole new exceptional guest! He's a freshman at the University of Florida, and even before he touched down, he, alongside his brother, co-founded Eco Brothers Inc., dedicated to increasing literacy amongst students. He's heavily involved in youth empowerment, education, and equality. A man who's gonna take on the world, Chase Hartman. Today, our topics include his founding of Eco Brothers, his take on banned books, and what he's learned from other student leaders and achievers. Always an honor to have someone like Chase on the UPcoming.

It's been a long time but the UPcoming is back with the first episode of 2025. Joining me for the long-awaited episode 64 is Samantha Sanhaus from Philadelphia. Only a freshman in Lehigh University, and her achievements are already astounding. She's the founder of Feeding Philly, a non-profit dedicated to combating youth malnutrition, inspired by her own experience with an eating disorder. Her leadership extends beyond this, as she's proudly served PA Youth Vote and the Philadelphia Youth Network. Today she talks about her success, difficulties, goals, and how she gradually became the inspirational person she is.

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Daryn Rockett, a remarkable individual hailing from Long Beach, California. Daryn is a graduate of Stanford University, where she was honored with the prestigious Hoefer Prize for Excellence in Writing and the Harold K. Boyd Undergraduate Scholar Award. Currently, she is pursuing her J.D. and master's in social work at Washington University in St. Louis. Daryn's journey is a testament to her ambition, hard work, and dedication. Throughout our conversation, she shares her experiences at Stanford, the little habits that build to her success, and just how she views society can change for the better. Essentially, you'll see how everything in her life has shaped her academic and professional pursuits. As Daryn prepares for a career as an attorney, she discusses her motivations for entering the legal field and her commitment to making a positive impact through social work. Her dual focus on law and social work highlights her holistic approach to advocacy and justice. Daryn is one of the many guests who more than deserves a spot on the UPcoming, and I'm honored to have had the chance to talk with her.

In this inspiring episode of The UPcoming, I sit down with Jordon Gully, a remarkable student leader from East St. Louis, Illinois. Jordon is not only a senior at Governor French Academy but also serves as the youth lieutenant governor of Illinois and a member of the student board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Jordon's leadership extends beyond his school, where he has made significant contributions as the president of the World Language Club, an editor for the school yearbook, and the chairman for the National Black Caucus within High School Democrats of America. His dedication to fostering positive change and empowering his peers is truly commendable. Join me as I listen to Jordon's journey, exploring his passion for leadership, his experiences in various roles, and his vision for the future. This episode is for anyone interested in youth leadership and making a difference in their community.

Hello world, the UPcoming is back!! It's been a long wait, but it's worth it, because Bronx native, Patricia Booth, is the newest guest on the show. An advocate, fighting for the little guy through the legal field, she's worked for major employers such as the NYPD and the National Homeowner Landlord Association. She's an achiever in everything she does and she's far from done.

Today is Mother's Day and while many celebrate the day with their mom's, many others sadly cannot. However, Dr. George Ackerman fights every day in honor of his mother, Sharon, who tragically passed away from Parkinson's Disease. With his website, "Together For Sharon", Dr. Ackerman spreads awareness of the disease and supports organizations and legislations trying to fight it. He'll do everything in his power to ensure that one day, families won't have to experience the same tragedy he did from this disease. For those who's loved ones have already passed, he's letting them know that they don't have to face this alone. Along with this, he's a former police officer, attorney, and now a professor in criminal justice. This may seem unusual for the UPcoming to interview someone already at the top, but Dr. Ackerman's given excellent insight into what everyone aspiring to be in that field should know. So, for anyone wanting to go into criminal justice or have a loved one going through Parkinson's, this is the episode for you. You can find Dr. Ackerman's website at https://www.togetherforsharon.com/

Joining the UPcoming on episode 58 is Episode 40's Randy Rawlings, CEO of Aneu Technologies and host of Aneu Approach Podcast. All of this makes him the perfect guest host for this episode, titled Aneu Approach with the UPcoming. The first guest to this collaboration is Maxwell Pearce. Straight out of Tuckahoe NY, he studied Economics at Purchase College, he was captain of the Men’s basketball team, winner of Purchase's first annual Shark Tank, a participant in ESPN’s college slam dunk contest, and is now a member of the Harlem Globetrotters. He’s been featured on CNN, MTV, SportsCenter, and so many other media outlets, and his performance on the court is nothing short of extraordinary. On top of this, he is an accomplished artist, having been exhibited with Art Basel in Miami, and MILE 44 in Los Angeles. And for the month of April, he is a businessman, Founder and CEO of Flynance, dedicated to helping young athletes thrive in the sports field. Maxwell sits to talk about his life, his time as a Globetrotter and artist, how Flynance is going to impact young athletes, and all the ways he wants to maintain and enhance his brand.

Ju-Marri "Kaesevyn" Sims is someone who's seen what it costs to have freedom in the music industry. Anyone can make music, but not everyone is going to succeed, and anyone could succeed, but not everyone's going to last. Kaesevyn wants to both make music and prolong his success. After becoming CEO of the label, Alive Music Group, he's set out to bring his best and most resonate with every album. Sitting down with the UPcoming, he talks about his rise as a leader, the knowledge and effort needed to maintain a business, and the dangers of being ignorant, especially as an upcoming artist. For all aspiring musicians out there, whether hip hop or any other genre, this episode is for you. Follow Kaesevyn on every platform and wherever you get your music.

Evelynroze has been on a harsh, but rewarding journey. From being bullied mercilessly as a child to winning the Worcester Music Award for best female vocalist in 2024, and this is her second time. With her supporting band, The Thornz, she's put out incredible songs like Careless Heart, Keyboard Warriors, and Your Ego. Her experiences have made her a fierce mental health advocate, and someone who wants to spread compassion and empathy on her platforms. Evelyn has been through so much, but she never stopped reaching for the top, and that more than earns her a spot on the UPcoming.

Brothers Aaron and Adrian Sterling have put 100% into everything they've done. When they started as athletes in basketball and football, it was nothing but pure dedication and practice. The discipline they developed from nonstop training has helped tremendously in their shift towards filmmaking and the tedious, stressful life this path ensures. Based off Adrian's time in football, their film "Make It Happen" sheds a tragic light in the pursuit to achieve one's athletic dreams and be the star everyone can be proud of. Upon making this shift, the brothers learned to navigate the unpredictable production life, become the businessmen they need to be to survive, and provide a story worth watching. It's difficult, but they have each other's backs, and I could not be happier to have them on.

Kadijah Butler, hailing from Philadelphia, is the founder of the Craig D Butler Scholarship Foundation. Honoring her father, who was a victim of gun violence, her foundation secures the educational futures of many young students. She's worked hard to ensure she can provide for as many kids as possible and show them that hard work pays off. She is also the author of three books, and a strong activist against gun violence and many other plagues to communities. Kadijah Butler is someone who gives love in every way she can, and it's an pleasure to have her on to discuss her journey.

This is the month of March. For this month's theme, we're doing sports, in honor of March Madness. First up to the plate is a captain of his college baseball team and die-hard fan of the Yankees, who's now transitioned into the life of an advertiser. A guy who's blended creative and business-related talents to become great in everything he does. Someone who puts 100% in everything, and his resume speaks for itself. That man is Louis Carvell.

If there's one student who embodies the word positivity, it's Kaitlyn Marsh. An undergrad at University of Texas at Austin, she's its social media and PR communications specialist, a marketing intern with #ICANHELP, and was a social media and fundraising intern with Breaking Taboo. She advocates for suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and anti-cyberbullying. Kaitlyn's come a long way from her early life in Spain to her time living in Texas, from being extremely socially awkward to a capable and confident leader.